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The biochemical processes that form part of the amino acid metabolism all support the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids. In the following article, the three most important reactions of the metabolism, i.e. transamination, deamination and decarboxylation, are explained in a compact overview, providing you with the perfect preparation for your upcoming exams.

Amino acids are the simplest unit of a protein. It has distinct structural characteristics that are responsible for the different types of interaction it can make inside the body. It is important to study the structure of amino acids as the functioning of proteins is highly affected by the type of comprised amino acids. In this article, the structural features and properties of an amino acid will be discussed. Also included in this article are the classification of the amino acids based on the side chain it has. Focus is also given to the ionization of amino acids.

Human breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for the newborn, which can solely fulfill the nutrient requirements up to six months of age. When a woman conceives, several physiological changes occur in her body under the influence of hormones. One of them is the development of breasts and the production of milk. Several hormones play a role in this process. The hypothalamus secretes stimulatory or inhibitory factor, the pituitary gland secretes prolactin and oxytocin, while the placenta keeps a regulated level of estrogen and progesterone in the blood by producing these hormones. Other hormones, as mentioned in the text, are also essential for the production of milk as they are required for the provision of the basic nutrient components of the milk.

The daily protein turnover of a human being is approximately 300 g. Amino acids contain nitrogen atoms, which need to be eliminated by the body without developing too much toxic ammonia. Here, urea comes into play as an appropriate end product of protein degradation. The steps of synthesis in the urea cycle (also: ornithine cycle), which occurs in the liver, should be well understood. By the way, the urea cycle was first described in 1932 and is therefore the first described cyclic metabolic pathway.

Sickle cell anemia leads to sickling of red cells during hypoxia. This can cause blockage in blood vessels with a range of clinical problems. Treatment is with red cell transfusions and hydroxycarbamide.

All women during pregnancy have an increased demand for a nutrient supply. When the nutrient intake is compromised, the body uses the stored nutrients, and that makes a pregnant woman weak. Energy demands are the highest in the third trimester of pregnancy. Certain nutrient deficiencies are associated with congenital disabilities and other complications. The increase in energy requirements is due to increase in body weight of a pregnant woman, the energy needs of the fetus, and physiological changes occurring in the events of pregnancy. There is about 20 percent increase in caloric needs, 50 percent increase in micronutrients, and an additional 350-450 calories are required during 2nd and 3rd trimester. Energy requirements increase up to 12 percent and BMR increases on an average of 10-15 percent.

The stability of energy balance and thermoregulation is essential for humans’ survival. Energy that is needed to fuel the body’s functions can be obtained from different energy sources. In this process, heat is generated and, in order to maintain the body temperature constant despite a strongly altering ambient temperature, a flexible regulatory system is required. In this context, the following definitions and formulas will be very useful for medical students.

Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is the product of the catabolism of ageing heme. It can be used to determine abnormality in liver functions as characterized by the yellowing of skin and mucous membranes such as sclera of the eyes and dorsum of the tongue. In this article, we will discuss about the biochemistry of bilirubin; specifically, the synthesis of the compound and the important enzymes used in the synthesis of this biomolecule.

One of the most common reasons for the death of almost 300,000 children per year is malnutrition. It is seen more frequently among children who are younger than five years and reside in the developing countries. The number contributes to half of the total deaths in the child age groups across the world.
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a type of malnutrition commonly seen among children aged six months to 5 years.

With the advancement of age, older adults go through changes that have an impact on their nutrition. Changes can be physical, psychological, health-related or social. Their extent varies among different individuals. Senior citizens can enjoy a quality of life despite these changes, given that they are healthy. Malnutrition is a result of not getting adequate caloric intake and nutrients. Older people are at a greater risk of developing malnutrition. Moreover, if this is combined with disease, it would lead to the spiral of dependence and hospitalization.

Vitamins are the organic compounds which are required in small quantities for normal growth, reproduction and maintenance of the human body. They are different from other organic food stuff because they do not go through the degradation processes to provide energy, and do not enter the tissue structure. Moreover, several B vitamins act as a coenzyme in various metabolic reactions of the body. Vitamins are also different from hormones as they are not produced by the body and have to be taken through diet. They are classified on the basis of their biological and chemical activity.

Hemoglobin is the iron-containing metalloprotein that is responsible for oxygen transport in vertebrates. It is present in the blood and functions mainly to carry oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body, and carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs for eventual elimination. This article will focus on the basic structure and function of hemoglobin.

Tyrosine is one of the amino acids that play a big role in a number of physiological processes. They are precursors for some hormones and neurotransmitters needed by the body for metabolic functions. In this article, the chemistry of tyrosine will be discussed. The article will answer how it is metabolized to produce the different hormones and neurotransmitters.

Porphyria is a group of disorders that arise from a build-up of chemicals that are involved in the production of porphyrin in the human body. The porphyrins are important as these are essential components of the hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body. When there is a high level of porphyrins in the body, different symptoms or manifestations related to porphyria show.

Porphyrias are a group of metabolic disorders, at the bottom of which lies a disturbance in the synthesis of the heme; thereby, in most cases, it is about a hereditary enzyme defect. The disease patterns differ depending on the affected enzyme; one clinically differentiates between acute and non-acute forms. In particular, a physician should also be aware of the two most common forms of overall rare diseases as an important differential diagnosis. Below is thus an overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment options of the porphyria.

Your Educators of course Day 4: Biochemistry – Watch Videos

Kevin Ahern, PhD

Kevin Ahern received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Oklahoma State University, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Oregon State University. Currently working as professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Oregon State University, he loves to write poetry and song lyrics. His previous works include “A Limerick a Day For a Year” and “Merry Metabolic and Miscellanic Melodies”. He is also a co-author of the popular biochemistry textbooks, “Biochemistry Free and Easy”.

Georgina Cornwall, PhD

Dr. Georgina Cornwall has taught a broad array of Biology courses at different U.S. universities, currently at the Colorado Mountain College in Aspen. Dr. Cornwall is an active promoter of hybrid teaching formats like online and interactive courses. Thus, she uses modern technology to engage her students in the diverse disciplines of biology – from Microbiology to Genetics.

Lecturio USMLE

Lecturio provides you with the most comprehensive USMLE video lecture series: Follow the most knowledgeable and dedicated USMLE experts, teaching-award winners and world-class professors as they bring their medical knowledge to your PC, tablet or smartphone.

But that’s not all! Lecturio.com comes with a huge question bank that includes recall and USMLE -style questions to help you retain what you’ve learned and prepare for the USMLE Step 1 and MBBS.

User reviews

(48)
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was a vision clear of all the topics

By Lucero O. on 03. March 2019 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Very much explaining After I did this topics know is easy to undeerstanding

Concise ans easy to follow

By Hatem Q. on 28. December 2018 for Nutrition

The course is concise, to the point, good source for a fast review. But more details do not hurt too

I love the way he explains!

By Ljubica M. on 04. December 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

For the first time ever, I got AA right. Thank you!

Very good course

By Hatem Q. on 30. November 2018 for Vitamins

Vitamin section is fine, concerned vitamins explained clearly and easily
However, some water soluble vitamins are considered missing (eg. thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin C ) although they might be encountered in some other subjects; such as nutrition.
Additionally, minerals are not touched in these lecture series at all
Overall, it is a very good course for the material targeted, but needs to fill the gap of missing items

User reviews

(48)
4,7 of 5 stars

5 Stars

38

4 Stars

6

3 Stars

4

2 Stars

0

1 Star

0

was a vision clear of all the topics

By Lucero O. on 03. March 2019 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Very much explaining After I did this topics know is easy to undeerstanding

Concise ans easy to follow

By Hatem Q. on 28. December 2018 for Nutrition

The course is concise, to the point, good source for a fast review. But more details do not hurt too

I love the way he explains!

By Ljubica M. on 04. December 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

For the first time ever, I got AA right. Thank you!

Very good course

By Hatem Q. on 30. November 2018 for Vitamins

Vitamin section is fine, concerned vitamins explained clearly and easily
However, some water soluble vitamins are considered missing (eg. thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin C ) although they might be encountered in some other subjects; such as nutrition.
Additionally, minerals are not touched in these lecture series at all
Overall, it is a very good course for the material targeted, but needs to fill the gap of missing items

Thank you!

By Ljubica M. on 29. November 2018 for Folate Metabolism and Recycling

Pure gold indeed !!! Presentation of chemical compounds during presentations is very helpful.

a lot f thanks .so clear classes i have undesrstood all material

By Joseph P. on 20. November 2018 for Vitamins

it is a very interesting materail, so clear an usefull and could recomend it without any question

Pregnancy quiz regarding nutrition is superb

By Neuer N. on 03. October 2018 for Pregnancy Nutrition

A brief but v helpful quiz in re-freshing the concepts...it helps in our routine practices as well...

Great!

By Bảo B. on 29. August 2018 for Nutrition

Great attitude and non-verbal languages. You make those vitamins more easier to understand. I appreciate it. Thank you and keep going.

Nutrition

By Michael E. on 24. July 2018 for Nutrition

This material was delivered brilliantly by the course lecturer. I have really enjoyed the nutrition lectures by Dr Cornwell and look forward to future lectures by this lady.

awesome lecture

By Saurav R. on 16. May 2018 for Vitamin A: Steps in Light Detection

really helpful i never found this data in any of my textbooks

Great job in nutrition

By Mark A. on 28. April 2018 for Nutrition

Great lecturer very knowledgeable of subject matter at an admirable pace. Needed this in depth type of lecture in med sch. Good job

Amino Acid Metabolism

By Mark A. on 28. April 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Great lecturer very knowledgeable of subject matter at an admirable pace. Needed this in depth type of lecture in med sch. Good job

Great job

By Mark A. on 28. April 2018 for Vitamins

Great lecturer very knowledgeable of subject matter at an admirable pace. Needed this in depth type of lecture in med sch. This guy is just good.... Great job

Best lecture ever!

By Tram M. on 19. April 2018 for Vitamin D: Introduction

This lecture helps me a lot since i jave a hard time to understand.

very happy and much fun

By Jerry J. on 11. April 2018 for Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

I find that I get used to her style, I wish that all the courses be taught by her

After studying Heme, I began to doubt life...

By Jerry J. on 03. April 2018 for Heme Synthesis

Thank you very much! Those extraordinarily awesome questions help me better understand the whole thing with details!

After Biochem, I feel like myself a reborn

By Jerry J. on 03. April 2018 for Urea Cycle

Wow, these two amines are very tricky, thank you very much, Prof. Ahern!

Amazingly helpful!

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I cannot believe I am just now finding this resource during my dedicated Step 1 period. However, I am so glad that I found it now, right at the beginning of Step prep, rather than later. I plan to use this as one of my main resources for the remainder of time up until my exam. I realized while reading First Aid that, although I had known the subjects very well at one point, that my foundation was not as solid as it once was. This is perfect for reviewing and providing the big picture for everything. It's also an amazing resource for providing the "why" and "how" behind all the small factoids written in First Aid which is just what I need. It's so much easier to retain the information when you actually understand what is going on rather than memorizing a 650+ page book of bullet point lists/facts. This is great. I was a huge fan of Boards and Beyond, but I have since ditched that resource and am fully focusing on this one since this seems a lot more comprehensive and better taught (though Dr. Ryan has also done an amazing job too). Thank you guys so much for coming out with such a well thought out and developed and thorough resource. This is going to make board prep so much smoother. If I end up scoring highly on Step 1, I will make sure to write a review on Reddit, SDN, etc raving about Lecturio.

THANKS

By Neuer N. on 10. March 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism: Introduction

I LIKE THE PRESENTATION AND I LEARN . PROFF. USE A SIMPLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE

great teaching tool and great lecturer

By Faisal B. on 23. February 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Its really interesting subject made easy by an interesting professor. I'm not sure if that level of details are needed for the USMLE exam as I'm using the USMLE curriculum, if its not needed thats fine it will be for my future knowledge hopefully if i get to keep in my head.

Nutrition overall view

By David M. on 15. February 2018 for Nutrition

The slides and the lector overview we super nice form them only I was able to grasp the content of nutrition. I also liked the metabolic importance of the vitamins and the metabolic processing of alcohol. I really wanna recommend this to my lector of nutrition and those few peers who don't know about lecturio.

Concepts mean higher scores!

By Dale B. on 20. January 2018 for Vitamins

You can memorize or you can understand. Concepts are yours forever. Memorized lists of facts are gone the very next time you need to cram for another test.

Great

By Sueheidi S. on 18. January 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Dr. Ahern was very clear and concise. Great lecture. Thank you!

Amazing lecture and slides

By Sherika M. on 13. January 2018 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Amazing lecture and slides explained very well and it was useful to have the slides downloaded.

"nutrition"

By Caleb V. on 07. January 2018 for Nutrition

Incomplete information.
I'm fascinated with the fact-based approach to the biochemistry of the human body. I like learning about the role that nutrition plays in disease prevention and the overall affects on human health. However, this course appears to still support the outdated views on proper nutrition and nutrition-related disease prevention. I feel that physicians do not get sufficient quality education on nutrition and that corporate interests still play too much of a role in both nutrition studies and nutritional recommendations. Today's healthcare system is more of a "disease care" system, and this profit-centered business approach, specifically with Pharmaceuticals, is doing little good, and in fact, doing a disservice to the overall welfare of the American people.

I'm enjoying Lecturio, the videos and follow up questions are ideal way to learn, the speakers excellent. I've spent many hours on You Tube hoping to fine something like this. I also saw Lecturio, is on You Tube and have subscribed yesterday having watched the Nutrition video and Biochemistry, also bought some eBooks that was mentioned in biography that I'm sure I will also enjoy. Thank you!

Overall good videos

By Azwer A. on 06. April 2017 for Enterohepatic Circulation and Health

I was impressed by the knowledge of the professor. However, the very short length of each lecture was disturbing and distracting.

amazing so much only

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this guy so good only amazing so much only omg nice nice

Very good!

By Georgia J. on 11. March 2017 for Nutrition

Simple and easy to understand! Covers only what really matters!!!

it was very good lecture it will help me in my med biochem class thanku

By Priyank Y. on 23. February 2017 for Amino Acid Metabolism: Introduction

it was very good lecture it will help me in my med biochem class thanku

good

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it is a good course. easy to understand. I liked this course

Warfarin and Vitamin K

By Jake Bryan C. on 06. January 2017 for Vitamin K (Quinone) and Vitamin E (Tocopherols)

From what I understand, we advise patients taking Coumdain to AVOID eating vitamin K rich foods because it will counteract the effect of the drug.

Awsome!

By Anna B. on 08. December 2016 for Amino Acid Metabolism

Thank you very much for such a great lectures!Biochemistry have never been so interestig until now)

JUST LIKE AN OVERVIEW

By RAMJIE L. on 16. November 2016 for Nutrition

not much details. its like a lecture for non medical students.

Not only will you learn about Nutrition; you could potentially lose weight!

By Christopher D. on 30. October 2016 for Nutrition

In this Nutrition course, Dr. Cornwall elaborates some basic nutritional principles that are essential for any student of Human physiology to understand. The way she presents the information is in much greater detail than what I was exposed to in the small Nutrition course held in Medical school. I particularly liked learning about the Mifflin-St. Jeor Formula for calculating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR); it literally changed the way I look at food!

Too elemtary and not enough info

By Martin F. on 26. October 2016 for Nutrition

The program was to elementary in nature and not deep enough. Sections on pregnancy nutrition was very superficial

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